How to choose the best Air Conditioner

What to look for when you buy an AC

Few days back I decided to buy first Air Conditioner for home. As always, I like to do my homework before I buy anything.

First of all, this article is about my findings as a layman to decide what to look for while buying an AC. There are different variants of ACs available in the market like Window, Split, Centralized or Industrial but I've exclusively covered Split Air Conditioner in this article as it was already decided to buy a Split AC irrespective of brand or other factors.

Points to be considered while choosing an AC.

• With/Without Inverter

Depending on the usage, you can choose it. Consider buying Inverter AC if you are going to use it continuously for 8-12 hours. You can choose an AC without inverter if you are not using it continuously for long because the cost-benefit ratio would be higher considering the higher amount you would pay for an inverter AC compared to non-inverter AC and the amount you would save in energy consumption.

copperindia.org

• Tube material

This is a very important thing to consider while buying an AC.
Tubes in all three components

1. Indoor Unit (evaporator) 

2. Outdoor unit (Condenser) 

3. Connecting pipes between 1 & 2 

should preferably be made of copper.

Though, almost all air-conditioners use copper tubes for the indoor units, substitution with Aluminium or Alloys usually takes place in outdoor unit and connecting tubes. Prefer 100% Copper AC with all three components of copper for higher energy efficiency and corrosion resistance as well as reliability, durability and low maintenance.

A quick way to find it out is to look for the following sticker on AC. (100% Copper)

• Appropriate Tonnage capacity for your Room Size

In laymen term, AC Tonnage capacity is simply the cooling capacity/output of the AC. There are numerous online calculators from various AC Brands like Blue Star, Carrier, to calculate right tonnage for your room size. While calculating the appropriate tonnage capacity, factors like Room dimensions, Area of windows in sq.ft, Window orientation (west/east or north/south facing) to gauge the sunlight, Apartment or House, Number of persons in room, Daily usage, First/Ground floor etc. should be considered.

• BEE Star Ratings for energy efficiency

Consider buying AC with higher star rating depending on your usage. Higher start rating costs a little extra and saves a little more in your electricity bills. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Star Ratings for Split ACs were revised from January 1, 2018.

You may come across this line while choosing AC, 'There is a 2 point energy rating drop in 2018 for non-inverter split ACs. E.g. a 2017 5 star non-inverter split AC will become 3 star in 2018'

Generally, Non-inverter Split ACs are upto 3 star rating while inverter ACs are of 4 or 5 star ratings.

BEE Star Rating

• Brand, Warranty and Price

Choose a brand which provides good after-sales service. Brands like Mitsubishi and O-General are preferred for industrial/heavy usage but have comparatively higher prices. Blue Star, Daikin, Hitachi, Voltas and LG are mid range brands with moderate price. Other brands like Godrej, Samsung, Onida and Panasonic costs comparatively lower. Also clarify whether the cost of installation is included or excluded from the final price.

Generally the unit comes with 1 year warranty and 5 year warranty on compressor but it varies with brand.

• Installation

AC should be installed in such a way that there is enough space for maintenance. If it is installed in a cramped space, the maintenance would be difficult which would eventually hike the electricity bills.

It is necessary to install the unit under a shaded area as it will prevent direct sunlight on the air conditioner.

You can consider visiting various e-commerce websites to compare and make an informed choice.

Click the links below to find best deals on the product.